Kris Gaa, MGH&FC’s August Employee Of The Month

SHELTON, Wash. – Kris Gaa, RN, clinical coordinator for Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics’ Birth Center, was chosen as “Employee of the Month” for August. Kris has worked at MGH&FC for the past 19 years, the last 13 years in the Birth Center at MGH.

“I started in the medical/surgical/pediatrics unit before moving to labor and delivery. I have also had the good fortune to be able to float to intensive care, house supervisor, and emergency,” said Kris. “I love working here because of the comradery of the staff. We are a tight-knit group who take care of each other – just like a family would.” She went on to say she has worked in larger hospitals where employees are not so valued as individuals, and care is not as patient-centric. “There are a lot of jobs out there for experienced nurses, but I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. I choose to stay at MGH because I love working here,” she added. According to her nominator, “Kris is a loyal and devoted nurse who has been awesome to work with. She is always ready to stop what she is doing to help you in any way needed. Her resources are endless and she is a truly dedicated leader. Always cheerful, a patient advocate, and an excellent teacher!” Kris and her husband, Paul, traveled the first six years of their marriage with the U.S. Navy. They returned home to Mason County to raise their children near family. Paul retired from the Navy after 23 years of service and now works for the Federal Government. They have two daughters both studying to be nurses, and a 13-year-old son. “We also have a ‘bonus’ daughter, whom we raised during her teen years,” Kris quickly added. When she’s not working, Kris loves vegetable gardening and landscaping, hiking, and spending time with her immediate and extended families.MGH is approved by the Joint Commission, and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information go to www.MasonGeneral.com.